Summary of World War II: The Second World War was arguably the most significant period of the 20th century. It brought about major leaps in technology and laid the groundwork that permitted post-war social changes including the end of European colonialism, the civil rights movement in the United States, and the modern women’s rights movement.
Holocaust
America Enters the War
Axis Powers
The belligerents during World War II fought as partners in one of two major alliances: the Axis and the Allies. The three principal partners in the Axis alliance were Germany, Italy, and Japan. The Axis partners had two common interests. Territorial expansion and foundation of empires based on military conquest and the overthrow of the post-World War I international order; and the destruction or neutralization of Soviet Communism.